Sunderland Stage Notorious Newcastle Squad Picture After Pivotal Local Rivalry Win.
New leadership and an almost completely different team – but the club at Sunderland had a long memory.
Nearly two years ago, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals commemorated the moment with a team picture on the pitch.
On this occasion, the script were turned on their head.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough to hand Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who came up with the gesture.
Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that previous encounter, was the lone Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in both games.
He revealed how he was eager to make amends for the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're ecstatic with this win.”
“It served as motivation. We came in with improved ability in this team, true characters, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”
‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’
Sitting in seventh Sunderland are experiencing a superb return to the top flight post promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have 26 points in 16 games, their highest total at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01.
They are undefeated in the league at the Stadium of Light, which was filled with an incredible atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team deserves much more – where we are in the league is incredible and we're working really hard.”
Sunderland are also undefeated in their last 10 league games against Newcastle, their most extended period without defeat against the Magpies.
Newcastle's last league win over Sunderland was over a decade ago.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “delighted and satisfied” with the outcome.
“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he continued. “This win is well deserved, we were disciplined and the lads were incredible.”
“It's fantastic for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another difficult test in Brighton in one week.”
